A Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Explains When You Can Collect Workers Comp for a Car Accident in Ohio

When you get injured in a car accident, it is essential to do everything to secure compensation for your medical bills and other costs. But does this include filing for workers’ compensation benefits? As our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer explain below, it depends on the circumstances involved.

Seeking Workers Compensation Benefits for a Car Accident in Columbus

When it comes to the question of whether you can seek workers’ compensation benefits for a car accident, the key question is whether you were driving “in the course of” your employment. While driving for certain work-related purposes qualifies, driving for specific other work-related purposes does not. Let’s look at five common scenarios:

1. You Drive for a Living

If you drive for a living, then driving clearly falls in the course of your employment. As long as you are an employee of a company (i.e. you are not a rideshare driver or an owner-operator), there is a good chance that you are eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits for your accident.

2. You Drive as Part of Your Job

If you drive as part of your employment, any accident that occurs in the course of your employment should entitle you to benefits as well. For example, let’s say you are a project manager or you work in sales. If you get injured in an accident while driving between job sites or from one customer’s location to another, your injuries should be covered under workers’ compensation.  

3. You Were Running an Errand for Work

Even if you don’t drive for a living or as a part of your job, you could still qualify for workers’ compensation if you were injured while running an errand for work. For example, let’s say you are an office manager and made an emergency run for supplies. While driving isn’t strictly one of your job duties, running an errand for your job still qualifies as an activity in the course of your employment.

4. You Were Going to Lunch

Now, let’s say that instead of running an errand, you were going to lunch. In this scenario, your car accident might not be covered. If you chose to eat at a place away from your office or job site when you could have taken your lunch break without driving, there is a good chance that your accident won’t qualify. However, this can be a grey area, and you will still want to consult with a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer.

5. You Were Commuting

Commuting accidents, on the other hand, generally don’t fall in a grey area. In the vast majority of circumstances, these accidents are not covered under workers’ compensation. With that said, there are exceptions, and it still makes sense to talk to a lawyer about your legal rights.

Discuss Your Car Accident with a Columbus Workers Compensation Lawyer

To find out if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits (or other compensation) due to your car accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us 24/7, so call 888-444-7440 or tell us how we can reach you online now.